6×6@110 Wins Statewide Honors

TYLER — The two-year-old 6×6@110 project of the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition was named Best Promotional Event in Texas Thursday evening at the Texas Downtown Association President’s Awards Gala in Bastrop. The award recognizes excellence in creation and execution of a downtown or commercial district promotional event. 6×6@110 tied with Beaumont’s Dogtoberfest. Lit on Main in Grand Prairie was also a finalist. The President’s Awards Gala is part of the annual Texas Downtown Revitalization Conference.

The 6×6@110 project began in 2012 as a fundraiser for Gallery Main Street and the City of Tyler Main Street Department. The first year began with more than 500 pieces of 6”x6” art being created and donated to the gallery, which sold pieces for $20 each, with all proceeds going to the gallery and Main Street. In 2013, the project doubled its size and included more than 1,000 pieces. On the exhibit’s opening night, people were lined up down Erwin Street and College Avenue to enter the doors to purchase one of the pieces. Several hundred artists and members of the public participated by producing artwork.

“We are thrilled that our volunteers, supporters and sponsors are being recognized for their hard work,” said Main Street Department Leader Beverly Abell. “In just two years, 6×6 has grown into a sensation, and it is due to the energy created by the people involved in its organization.” Heart of Tyler and the Main Street Department have received 15 TDA awards, with eight of those coming in the past five years.